At just five months old, Webek Studios is already stirring waves in African and global media circles. But behind the bold new production house is a name that’s far from new, Esse Akwawa, a seasoned storyteller, creative executive, and cultural architect. From news-obsessed childhood days to award-winning short films, Esse’s journey is stitched with relentless passion, reinvention, and purpose.
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In this exclusive conversation with Empire Magazine Africa, the powerhouse producer and media entrepreneur opens up about founding Webek Studios, why she’s betting big on African stories, and what it takes to lead with both vision and vulnerability in today’s fast-moving creative economy.
“We’re not just creating content; we’re curating culture.”
Empire: Esse, let’s start with the present. Webek Studios officially launched in March 2025. What’s the heartbeat behind this new venture?
Esse Akwawa: Webek is rooted in a vision that’s been quietly maturing for years. We wanted to build a nimble, creatively fearless studio that places African stories at the center, without compromising on global ambition. In just three months, we’ve premiered internationally, built an exceptional team, and launched multiple projects. The mission is clear: we’re aiming to be one of the top five production companies in the world, and we believe the richness of our culture and storytelling will carry us there.
“Storytelling pulled me back, again and again.”
Empire: Take us back to the beginning. What sparked your love for storytelling and content creation?
Esse: I grew up in a home where stories were currency, whether it was folk tales or news broadcasts. Watching the news with my dad was my childhood obsession. At one point, I was convinced I’d be a newscaster. But as I grew, I realized storytelling wasn’t just about information; it was a tool for connection, healing, and change. That realization kept pulling me back, even after stints in banking, events management, and TV. Eventually, I stopped resisting and built a life around it.
“At Accelerate, I learned how to scale creativity.”
Empire: Before Webek, you led Accelerate Studios. What did that chapter teach you as a media entrepreneur?
Esse: Accelerate was my training ground for building at scale. I learned how to align creativity with business, develop sustainable content ecosystems, and structure teams for excellence. It also showed me what was missing: bold, unapologetic African stories with global depth. That became the seed for Webek.
“Authenticity is our passport.”
Empire: African content is being consumed globally like never before. What makes a story resonate across borders?
Esse: It’s not about trying to appeal to everyone. It’s about going deeper into who we really are. Authenticity is what connects people. The more rooted a story is culturally, emotionally, spiritually, the more it travels. The stories that last are the ones that are honest, textured, and told without fear.
“Creativity thrives on structure.”
Empire: You’ve led diverse teams across different sectors. How has your background shaped your leadership at Webek?
Esse: I’ve had the privilege of working across editorial, production, corporate, and creative roles. It’s given me a 360-view. I lead with strategy and structure, but also with empathy and intuition. At Webek, we’re building a culture that values process as much as passion. Creativity needs a container to flourish sustainably.
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“We build with what we have.”
Empire: What are the real challenges of running a creative business on the continent and how do you push through?
Esse: Funding is tight. Infrastructure is inconsistent. Markets are fragmented. But the silver lining is that these challenges force you to be resourceful. We stay agile, lean, and innovative. We don’t wait for perfect conditions. We build forward, regardless.
“Every story we greenlight must pass the resonance test.”
Empire: You’ve brought stories to life across Netflix, Prime Video, and more. How do you choose the ones worth telling?
Esse: I always ask: Is it emotionally honest? Is it culturally grounded? Is it necessary? Will it leave someone changed or seen? If a story can challenge, comfort, or inspire across cultures while staying true to its roots, then we’re on to something.
“The early days are wild but beautiful.”
Empire: What has the first quarter of Webek looked like from the inside?
Esse: It’s been a beautiful blur, full of milestones and mistakes. We premiered The Screen Test at Nollywood Week Paris and it won Best Short Film. We’re also building internal systems, refining our processes, and launching platforms like NollyFilm Media on YouTube. It’s hard work, but the clarity of our mission keeps us steady.
“We’re not here to play small.”
Empire: What’s next for you and the Webek team?
Esse: We’re prepping a feature film based on a powerful true story and diving into global co-productions. We’re also excited about our new talk show The Culture League, hosted by Victor Boniface, Wilfred Ndidi, and Frank Onyeka, it premieres July 11 on our YouTube channel. Beyond that, we’re actively engaging international festivals and building strategic partnerships that align with our storytelling values. Our mission is ambitious, we aim to rank among the top five production houses globally. We believe that if we stay committed to authentic, high-quality storytelling, we’ll get there.
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Say it your way.”
Empire: Finally, what’s your message to the next generation of African media creators?
Esse: Don’t wait for the stars to align. Just start. The world is finally listening to African voices, but it’s up to us to speak with clarity, heart, and craft. Be bold. Be intentional. And never let comfort win over courage.
Empire Takeaway:
Esse Akwawa isn’t just building a studio. She’s engineering a movement. At the intersection of global ambition and local truth, Webek Studios is a rising beacon in African media and its story is just beginning.
